Chinese H-6K bomber now carries twice the 2PZD-21 hypersonic missiles as previously believed.

On June 29, 2024, the Chinese Southern Theater Command Air Force published a picture of an H-6K bomber taking off at night during a summer exercise, showing two 2PZD-21, also known as YJ-21, air-launched ballistic missiles under one wing. Observers told the Global Times, an English-language newspaper controlled by the Chinese Communist Party, that it likely also carried two missiles under the other wing for balance, totaling four. Previously, the aircraft had only been seen carrying one missile under each wing, suggesting the H-6K can carry more missiles than previously believed.
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On June 29, 2024, the Chinese Southern Theater Command Air Force published a picture of an H-6K bomber taking off at night during a summer exercise, showing two 2PZD-21 air-launched ballistic missiles under one wing, twice as previously thought. (Picture source: Chinese Southern Theater Command Air Force)

In its 2023 annual report to Congress, the Pentagon noted that the H-6K could carry up to six land-attack cruise missiles, providing the PLA with a significant long-range standoff precision strike capability. This capability extends China's reach to the Second Island Chain, which includes Japan's Bonin Islands, the Mariana Islands (including the heavily fortified US bases on Guam), and the western Caroline Islands, including Palau. This new picture seems to indicate that the YJ-21, or Eagle Strike 21, an anti-ship ballistic missile (ASBM) developed for the People's Liberation Army Navy (PLAN), and/or its air-launched variant, known as the 2PZD-21 or KD-21, has been put into service with the Chinese Air Force.

The YJ-21 missile, unveiled at the Zhuhai Air Show 2022, is characterized as a hypersonic anti-ship ballistic missile. Official publications state that the missile has a cruise speed of Mach 6 (4,094 miles per hour) and a terminal speed of Mach 10 (approximately 7,000 mph). It is believed to have a range of up to 930 miles and is part of a weapon family designed for use against aircraft carriers. This range exceeds the combat range of the US carrier-based F-35C, which is 630 miles, potentially requiring US carriers to operate closer to their targets and thus increasing their vulnerability.

According to available information, the YJ-21, or Eagle Strike 21, is an anti-ship ballistic missile (ASBM) primarily developed for the People's Liberation Army Navy (PLAN). It has been integrated into the Type 055 destroyers, making these warships some of the most heavily armed in the world. The YJ-21, which can achieve hypersonic speeds exceeding Mach 6 and perform dynamic maneuvers during its terminal phase, is believed to be based on the CM-401 design but features enhancements, including a larger booster phase​​.

The air-launched variant, known as the 2PZD-21 or KD-21, extends China’s strike capabilities by being deployed under the wings of H-6K bombers. This variant is designed to target both land and maritime objectives, significantly extending the operational reach of the H-6K bomber. The air-launched ballistic missile (ALBM) presents challenges to air defense systems due to its high speed and steep descent angle during the terminal phase​.

The 2PZD-21, also known as KD-21, is an air-launched variant of the YJ-21 anti-ship ballistic missile (ASBM). (Picture source: Chinese social media)

The YJ-21 and its 2PZD-21 variant emphasize a dual-capability approach, capable of targeting high-value warships and fixed land targets. The missile’s integration into both naval and aerial platforms will likely enhance China’s offensive capabilities across various operational theaters, including Taiwan. Furthermore, the 2PZD-21 seems to share characteristics with the Russian Kinzhal missile, designed for precision strikes against high-value targets, and could be a weapon of choice to arm the H-6K bomber in a future conflict.

First entering service in 2015, the H-6K, an upgraded version of the Chinese H-6 bomber, is equipped with advanced avionics, modern radar systems, and more powerful D-30-KP2 engines. Developed by Xi'an Aircraft Industrial Corporation, the H-6K has seen substantial improvements in range, payload capacity, and avionics compared to earlier models of the H-6, which itself is based on the Soviet Tupolev Tu-16. The aircraft features a glass cockpit with large multi-function displays, replacing older analog instruments, and advanced radar systems that allow for long-range target detection and precision-guided munition deployment. Additionally, it includes electronic warfare and countermeasure systems to improve its survivability against contemporary air defense systems.

The H-6K's armament capabilities are diverse. It can carry up to six CJ-10A (KD-20) air-launched cruise missiles, which can hit targets over 1,500 kilometers away and be equipped with either conventional or nuclear warheads. The bomber has also been seen with air-launched ballistic missiles (ALBM), similar in design to the Russian Kinzhal missile, which might be hypersonic and capable of striking high-value targets such as aircraft carriers. Additionally, it can carry YJ-12 anti-ship missiles that are capable of supersonic speeds and long-range engagements, fitting into China's maritime strategy in the South China Sea. Finally, other variants of the H-6, such as the H-6MW or the H-6N, could also carry hypersonic drones and missiles.

Operationally, the H-6K has been actively deployed in various military exercises and strategic patrols. Notably, it has conducted long-range patrols over the South China Sea, often in coordination with fighter jets and early warning aircraft. These missions, which sometimes last several hours and cover thousands of kilometers, highlight China's ability to project power within the first island chain and beyond. The H-6K has also participated in joint drills with Russian Tu-95MS bombers, demonstrating China's military cooperation with Russia and its long-range strategic bombing capabilities.

The H-6K's introduction has enhanced the PLAAF's strategic and tactical reach. Its extended range and ability to carry advanced munitions enable it to target locations as far as Guam and potentially Hawaii if equipped with long-range hypersonic weapons such as the WZ-8, the MD-22, or the YJ-21. Combined with China's expanding network of military bases in the South China Sea, the H-6K supports China's anti-access/area denial (A2/AD) strategy.

First entering service in 2015, the H-6K, an upgraded version of the Chinese H-6 bomber, is equipped with advanced avionics, modern radar systems, and more powerful D-30-KP2 engines. (Picture source: Chinese social media)